Another Youfit Health Club opens in West Kendall area 05.14

By Steve Winston

Youfit West Kendall (www.youfit.com), at 15762 SW72 St., will be open 24/7. It’s the company’s 66th club nationwide, making it one of the fastest-growing fitness companies in America. And another Kendall club is coming soon.

Rick Berks, founder/owner of Youfit Health Clubs, has developed a business model that’s unusual in the traditionbound health club industry.

At Youfit, there are no long-term contracts (you pay by the month). No intimidating bodybuilders or gym rats (the clubs aren’t designed for them). No pressure to join and there are no salespeople; no pushy instructors, and no carbon footprint.

In fact, these may be the “greenest” gyms in America. The floors are made of recycled tires or Nike “grind” (recycled sneakers) and the A/C, water, lighting, and power systems are all “green.”

“It costs more money to do it that way,” Berks said. “But we believe in giving back to the communities in which we do business. And we’re based here in South Florida, so we’re very excited about Miami-Dade.”

These are clubs where “you” can “fit” in, without dealing with pushy salespeople. All the equipment is Americanmade, and the fees are likely the lowest you’ll see for a first-class club.

“I actually meet people who tell me they’d have to get in shape before they’d ever venture into a health club,” Berks said. “But a health club shouldn’t be a place where you feel anxious. It should be a place to get rid of your tension…at your own pace, without feeling intimidated.”